TheJohn MaythamShow

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced on Thursday evening that the national 2018 matric pass rate stands at 78.2%.

This is an improvement of 3.1% from the 75.1% recorded in 2017.

The Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Mohamed Enver Surty says the increased pass rate can be attributed to the hard work put in by MECs and district directors throughout the year.

Surty adds that the percentage in mathematics and science has improved, raising the quality of passes for 2018.

This proves that the system is working through the hard work and dedication from districts and schools themselves.

— Mohamed Enver Surty, Deputy Minister of Basic Education

Almost two-thirds of learner population can go to an institution of higher learning and that to us is important.

— Mohamed Enver Surty, Deputy Minister of Basic Education

Surty also touches on the department's plans to improve resources in rural schools specifically with regard to getting rid of pit toilets.

He says they are working hand in hand with the presidency to ensure that proper sanitation is provided in rural schools.

We have a dedicated focus on providing sanitation. In the past six months we went on to deliver 687 toilets in schools and we are accelerating that and provinces are playing an important role in ensuring that we achieve that.

— Mohamed Enver Surty, Deputy Minister of Basic Education

We have almost a million children who are five years old which means we must have age appropriate sanitation.

— Mohamed Enver Surty, Deputy Minister of Basic Education

The presidency and the private sector are working with us in terms of that...